The Background and Science of Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation has it’s roots in all contemplative practices and the benefits have been well documented especially in the past 30 years when Jon Kabat-Zinn established the Mindfulness based Stress Reduction courses that has led to the wide-spread acceptance of these non-religious, practical exercises anyone can do, that give immediate relief from stress and anxiety ( and more).

When we are experiencing anxiety, fear, negative emotions our blood ( oxygen) rushes to the limbic system ( emotional area of our brains) away from the frontal cortex ( thinking area) and we become confused. With a few purposeful breaths where we put our full attention on the breathing process, the blood returns to the frontal cortex away from the limbic system and our emotional reactivity calms down and we experience greater mental and emotional clarity and balance.

“Practicing Mindfulness has been shown to alter the structure and function of the brain, which is what allows us to learn, acquire new abilities, and improve memory.” DR. ROMIE MUSHTAQ

Mindfulness trains the mind to be observant and responsive to the many challenges we face every day.

Harvard, Oxford and Stanford Universities offer Mindfulness courses. Mindfulness is not just a trend but a proven method for success.

“Rita is a fabulous facilitator – she made us feel extremely comfortable, was open minded
and encouraged us all to share from our diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. I came
away with many very practical, easy to use exercises that I have since been using with with my
classes of various ages.
Thank you Rita for gifting me such a wonderful and enjoyable afternoon of learning”.

-Louise Dore, Auckland

“When I am trying to get to sleep I use the body scan. It really works!”

Student, James Cook High, Auckland

‘The body scan felt relaxing and calm which took all the anger away”.

Year 5 student, Dilworth Junior, Auckland

Why Mindfulness?

Evidence based results from around the world continue to show that the regular practice of Mindfulness has ongoing benefits for physical and mental health. Research over the past few decades has found that Mindfulness training helps to;

Relieve Anxiety & Stress

In our fast paced lives, where we rush from one demand to another, there is very little time or space to stop and pause. Mindfulness offer the tools needed to connect with our inner intelligence where we can access natural calmness beneath the busy minds.

Let go of Anger & Frustration

Coming in contact with your direct experience in the mindful state allows us to become familiar with the patterns that direct our lives; our thoughts, emotions and reactions.

OVERCOME WORRYING & NEGATIVE THINKING

Pain is an inevitable part of being human but suffering is optional. In Mindfulness we learn how to manage our thoughts and emotions instead of letting emotions and thoughts manage us.

STOP INNER CHATTER

Aimless thinking and inner chatter is draining our energy and clouding over the present moment. One of the most common benefits from regular Mindfulness training is greater mental clarity and a new sense of inner peace.

Have Better Sleep

To be able stop incessant thinking and worrying is one of the great benefits of Mindfulness. Using the body scan at bedtime has proved again and again successful in calming an agitated mind helping the body sink into a restful, untroubled sleep.

STOP LIVING IN THE PAST

Mindfulness practices increasingly bring you more into the present with the growing awareness that going over the past keeps you stuck in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mindfulness means “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn. (Founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)

Mindfulness is a way of noticing where your attention is in the present moment without judging it good or bad. It’s about not wandering off into an imagined future or going over the past but fully engaging right here right now.

The ability to focus on one thing at a time is a skill and requires practice. Just as athletes train on a daily basis to maintain fitness and stamina, Mindfulness, which is a mental training, requires regular daily practice to experience the many well documented benefits especially of de-stressing, relaxing the body and generally self-managing in a new and empowering way.

Through guided, simple easy-to-do practisies you are training the mind to be more present in the moment. resulting in it to be less anxious, more alert and alive.

Meditation and Mindfulness are very similar the difference being that Meditation takes many forms; music meditation,chanting mantras as well as focused awareness exercises however Mindfulness meditation is specifically focused on being aware in the moment without judging or changing anything-accepting everything that arises in your consciousness. This naturally calms the mind because you are not spending energy on resisting and wanting a different outcome which can offer insights into our auto-pilot reactions that run our lives. This helps us to come in contact with the reality we are experiencing in a rich and vibrant way and helps us accept what is instead of wanting a different outcome and causing more self-generated suffering.This can lead to a sense of peace and joy to simply be in touch with reality as it is.

Many places that run Mindfulness courses do so on a donation basis and are connected to spiritual centers. Mindfulness in New Zealand is an independent group and the trainers pay to live just like everyone else. Everybody needs to be paid for their effort as well as the cost of hiring venues and paying advertising to let people know the courses exist.

NON RELIGIOUS

There is no religion, dogma or beliefs attached to Mindfulness. Mindfulness has it’s roots in many contemplative practices but doesn’t require or impose on anyones belief systems. It’s a mental activity that has proven to be of great benefit for maintaining physical, mental and emotional balance.

Evidence Based

The many benefits of Mindfulness have been well documented especially in the past 30 years since Jon Kabat-Zinn established the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programme that has led to the wide-spread, evidence based research and the acceptance of these non-religious, practical exercises anyone can do.

MINDFULNESS FOR EVERYONE

Mindfulness practice doesn’t require any preparation or beforehand knowledge about meditation. Anyone can experience the effect from these simple exercises.